Cleaning outdoor concrete flooring is very different from indoor concrete flooring.
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Concrete is a sturdy material for indoor and outdoor floors. It’s durable, easy-to-clean and fairly resistant to stains. Concrete does stain, though. It’s porous and will soak up dirt, spills and harbor mildew. Tough as concrete is, it will need a periodic scrubbing.
Here’s how to clean concrete, both indoors and out.
A power washer is the easiest way to clean concrete outdoors. You should be able to blast away dirt, mildew and grime in an afternoon. Spray the patio surface with a detergent and use a stiff brush to scrub it into the concrete. Never use a metal-bristle brush these fibers can get trapped in the porous surface of concrete and rust. Put on safety goggles and gloves. Turn on the pressure washer. Move the wand from one side, using the same motion as you would if you were mopping a floor.
Here’s how to remove dirt and mildew without damaging your concrete floors.
Want to know how to remove stains from concrete? There are several options. You can use bleach, ammonia (Note: never mix the two) and other commercial solutions. For a natural solution to stubborn stains on interior concrete floors, mix flour and hydrogen peroxide into a paste the consistency of peanut butter. Spread it over the stained area. Let sit overnight. Then, scrape with a plastic-edged scraper tool.
Polished or Stamped
For indoor concrete floors that are polished or stamped, you’ll need to take a gentler approach to how to clean concrete. You’ll just use a mop and a bucket of water mixed with a mild cleaner. Don’t use ammonia, bleach or any highly acidic substance on polished or stamped floors. Some good cleaners include Castile soap, liquid dish detergent, stone cleaners and mild floor cleaners. Mix a solution, apply to floor with a wet mop and then rinse with a mop dipped in clean water.
Sealed
To make your concrete floors resistant to future stains, apply a concrete sealant. Use a paint roller to apply it to clean, primed concrete. Start in the middle of the area and roll the sealant out to the edges. Floors need to be resealed every two to three years. Knowing how to clean concrete properly will keep the floors in your garage, workshop and house looking good as new.
Written by Mary Marlowe Leverette